Designers
Designers
Designers
The Unseen Dance in Lima
Exploring visibility and access to labor opportunities for professional dancers in Lima, Perú
Key Words
Designers
Dominique De Romaña Ledgard
SUMMARY
Today, visibility on Instagram often determines whether a dancer gets hired. This project began by studying the current dance ecosystem in Lima and the shift of dancers toward freelance work. Through primary research, I explored how dancers navigate informal labor dynamics shaped by social media exposure. I discovered that limited visibility, along with the lack of industry education around what constitutes a fair rate for dancers, leads to fewer job opportunities and unclear working conditions. These dynamics make dance careers unsustainable and restrict dancers’ ability to pursue long term professional paths.
challenge
Through research and journey mapping, I identified key gaps affecting dancers, opportunity providers, and the broader media ecosystem. Dancers need consistent visibility, clear job information, and shared understanding of fair rates and working conditions. Currently, they rely on informal social media channels, limiting access to stable opportunities and negotiation power. Opportunity providers lack clear standards and efficient ways to discover talent beyond personal networks. These gaps create power imbalances and reveal opportunities to restructure visibility, access, and labor standards within the dance industry in Lima today.
Outcome
LimaDance is an integrated platform that gives dancers real visibility by moving discovery beyond social media algorithms into a structured and centralized space. It connects dancers to formal job opportunities through transparent postings that clarify roles, expectations, and timelines. The platform also provides shared references for fair rates and working conditions, helping align dancers and opportunity providers before work begins. By structuring visibility, access, and information, LimaDance reduces informality and builds sustainable dance careers, shifting the industry toward one where dancers are seen, valued, and respected.
MEET THE Designers:
Dominique De Romaña Ledgard